Technological Fix 3. What is the role of technology in the management of the contested planet ? a) The impacts of intermediate / appropriate technology with hi-tech megaprojects b) Role of technology in global issues c) Chances of technology contributing to a more environmentally sustainable future d) The technological future – convergence or divergence? Learning Objectives: Understand that technology operates at different levels and has various social and environmental consequences Appreciate the differences between appropriate intermediate technology and the megaproject approach

Starter – Polluter Pays Summarize the polluter pays principle into 3 key words

Our Future? Shortages of fossil fuels Global population growth (over 8 billion) Persistent poverty (1.1 billion living on less that $1 per day in 2011) Climate change (1-2°c warming by 2030) Water shortages (By 2030, people will have access to 30% less water) Famine

Views Pessimist – Malthus Population growth at geometric growth Food production increase at arithmetic growth = Starvation Optimist – Boserup Possible to overcome environmental limits through culture and technology

Types of Technological Fix High Tech Energy production Civil Engineering Dams Landfill Gas Alternative Technology Biodiesel ICT Micro Technology Mobile Phones GM Crops Nano-and bio- technology Green Revolution Geoengineering Pumpkin Tanks Intermediate Technology Jiko Stoves LED Lights Appropriate Technology wind-up radio Low Tech Labour Intensive Capital Intensive

Technology Definitions Intermediate Technology – relatively low, usually low labour-intensive technology that can be mastered by local people, especially in the developing world Appropriate Technology – Technology that suits the level of income, skill and needs of the local people Megaprojects – Looks to develop a high-income, consumer economy through large scale projects such as dams, airports etc

Issue Malthus Boserup GM Foods HIV/AIDS Dam Building ???

Case Study – Tackling water shortages in Ethiopia Considered one of the poorest countries in the world IMF puts Ethiopia's growth for 2007 at 11.4%! Issues of drought – can technology have the answers? Huge water potential that is currently not being used

Task Summarise each of the three schemes Are the social and environmental consequences of large dam schemes, such as the Tekeze Dam, justifiable in order for poor countries to develop? Explain how each of the three schemes aims to tackle the issue of water security for Ethiopians To what extent do you agree with the view of the World Bank that ‘Ethiopia is poor because it doesn’t use its enormous water potential’? Social Impacts Economic Impacts Environmental Impacts Low Tech solution – Harvesting the rain High Tech solution – Tekeze Dam Intermediate Technology – small dams

Plenary – Just One Minute! Topic – Water Shortages in Ethiopia